Fluid connection



March 2, 1965 w. J. FROMM 3,171,448

FLUID CONNECTION Filed March 15, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 phi/678,50)? Zl/a zer Jjram "a.

March 2, 1965 w. J. FROMM FLUID CONNECTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 15, 1961 I n a $5 a M h United States Patent Office 3,171,448 Patented Mar. 2, 1965 3,171,448 FLUID CONNECTION Walter J. Fromm, Chicago, Ill., assignor to The Protectoseal Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Mar. 15, 1961, Ser. No. 95,850 17 Claims. (Cl. 141-293) The invention relates generally to devices for connecting two lines or fluid conduits, and more particularly to a connector structure for simultaneously connecting a pair of fluid conduits to alike pair of conduits.

The invention is particularly applicable, for example, to a fuel-vapor counterflow operation, as for example, in connection with the filling of tanks with flammable materials and simultaneously drawing oil the vapor to eliminate any fire hazard which might result if the vapor were discharged directly to the atmosphere. A typical case is that involving the refueling of power units such as lift trucks or the like with highly flammable fuels, wherein all danger of the discharge of combustible vapor into the surrounding atmosphere is to be eliminated. In such case the fuel tank may be filled from a supply container which is operatively connected thereto through a multiple conduit arrangement whereby the fuel may flow from the supply container into the tank and simultaneously therewith vapor flow from the tank into the container.

The invention therefore has among its objects the production of a connector structure whereby two sets of conduits may be operatively connected to provide for the desired counterflow, which connector structure is relatively very simple in construction, having a minimum of roving parts and is self-actuated upon connection to operatively connect the conduits in operative relation.

Another object of the invention is the production of such a connector structure which is automatically selfclosing, to provide substantially dry terminals upon detachment of the connectors.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a connector structure which provides for a positive connection between the separable elements of the connector prior to the actual opening of either sealing or valve member thereby eliminating any possibility of improper operruion and resultant spillage.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a connector structure which readily adapts itself. for use on small containers such as five gallon supply cans and the like, so that upon refueling therefrom, the liquid originally in the supply can is displaced by the vapors which were originally in the fuel tank.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a connector structure which may also provide for vacuum venting of the fuel tank to eliminate the possibility of a vacuum interlock therein.

A further object of the invention is the production of a connector structure which is so designed that by means of a comparatively simple adapter, a fuel tank utilizing one section of the connector structure may be readily utilized with other types of filling equipment, as for example, pump actuated filling mechanisms, etc.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

FIG. l is a longitudinal section through cooperable connector members, illustrating the same in attached or connected position;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the tank filler fitting;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 1 of the detachable supply fitting;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 1 of the tank fitting; and

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating an adapter structure for use with pump nozzles and the like.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, the reference numeral 1 indicates generally a supply connector member or fitting which is adapted to be connected to the corresponding ends of an outer fluid conduit 2 and an inner fluid conduit 3 disposed within the conduit 2. The fitting 1 is constructed to detachably engage a cooperable filler member or fitting indicated generally by the numeral 4 which is adapted to be secured to a wall 5 of a container, such as a fuel tank or the like and forming the filling opening or spout therefor.

The filler fitting Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 6, the filler fitting 4 comprises a generally cylindrical or plate-like member 6 which is provided with a peripheral annular shaped flange 7 having a plurality of holes 8 therein for the reception of mounting means such as rivets 9, by means of which the member may be secured to the wall 5 of the tank or container, the member 6 being provided with a plurality of openings 10 therein for the passage of fluid into the tank. Secured to the plate 6 is a generally cylindrical hollow fill spout indicated generally by the numeral 11, which is provided with external threads 12 thereon cooperable with internal threads 13 formed in the bore 14 of the plate. The upper or free end of the spout 11, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 6, terminates in an inwardly directed flange 15 defining a circular mouth 16 Which is adapted to be normally closed by a valve member 17, biased in a closed position by a compression spring 18, the upper end of which seats upon the inner face of the valve member and the lower end upon the bottom wall 19 of the bore 14.

The valve member 17 is guided in its opening and closing movements by a tubular member 21, hereinafter referred to as the vent tube, which is carried by the plate 6, the latter having a centrally disposed boss 22 extending upwardly from the bottom Wall 19 of the plate 6. The boss 22 is provided with an internally threaded bore 23 therein and is counterbored as indicated at 24 adjacent the upper end thereof. The lower end of the vent tube 21 is provided with an externally threaded portion 25 which is adapted to be threaded into the bore 23, the vent tube being provided with an outwardly directed flange portion 26 which may be suitably formed, as for example, with a hex configuration, for engagement with a suitable tool to facilitate the installation of the vent tube, the adjacent face of the flange 26 seating upon the abutting upper edge of the boss 22 as clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6. The upper end of the vent tube 21 extends through a bore 27 in the hub portion 28 of the valve member 17 and is adapted to be sealed with respect thereto by suitable gasket members such as the O-ring 28 seated in a groove 29 in the valve member. Sealing engagement between the valve member 17 and the inner face of the flange 15 may be effected by a suitable gasket such as an O-ring 31 disposed in an annular shaped groove 32 in the top face of the valve member.

The upper end of the vent tube 21 is partially closed as indicated at 33 to provide a restricted port 34 adapted to be closed by a ball 35 which is biased in a closed position by a compression spring 36 disposed within the vent tube 21. The lower end of the vent tube is adapted to be opcratively connected to the container interior by means of a plurality of radially disposed passages 37. four of such passages being employed in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the lower end of the vent tube 21 communicating with the passageways 37 at their intersection. The vent tube 21 is also provided with a plurality of radially disposed ports 38 which are disposed below the end 33 of the vent tube and the ball 35 therein.

The valve member 17 may be moved to open position by application of force thereto in the downward direction as viewed in FIG. 6, such movement being accomplished, for example. by engagement with a suitable element of the supply fitting or member 1, as hereinafter described in detail. Referring to FIG. 1, it will be noted that when the valve member is in a fully open position, as therein illustrated, the ports 38 in the vent tube 21 are exposed for cooperation with elements of the supply fitting. Extending outwardly from the spout 11 are a pair of diametrically disposed pins 39, which, as hereinafter described, provide means for interlocking the connector member 1 to the member 4.

The supply fitting Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the supply fitting or memher 1 comprises an outer shell or body 41 which is provided with a skirt portion 42 of larger diameter than the upper neck portion 43, the latter being provided with external threads 44 at its free end adapted to engage internal threads 45 on a hose connector member 46 which is provided with a generally tubular portion 47 of a size to be inserted in the open end of a flexible conduit or hose 48, the member 47, if desired, having suitable annular ribs 49 for effecting a good fluid tight connection between the conduit 2 and the member 46.

Illustrated as being integrally formed with the upper end of the neck 43 is a concentric bushing or sleeve 51 which is connected with the neck 43 by a plurality of webs 52, the construction illustrated employing three such webs as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The sleeve 51 is provided with a bore 53 therein which is concentric with the neck 43 and provided with a counterbore 54 operative to form an internal annular seat 55 on which is seated the upper end of a generally tubular valve body 56 having an external diameter of a size to permit the end of the body to be snugly received in the counterbore 54 as clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the valve body 56 being illustrated as being locked in operative engagement with the sleeve 51 by a tubular hose connector 57 having an axially extending bore 58 therethrough and provided at its lower end with a threaded portion 59 adapted to be operatively engaged with internal threads 61 formed in the upper end of the bore 62 of the valve body 56. The member 57 is provided with an enlarged portion 63, which may be suitably formed, as for example, of a hex configuration for engagement with a suitable wrench, which portion is of a size to overlie and seat upon the upper end of the sleeve 51 so that upon threading of the member 57 into the valve body 56. the latter is rigidly locked in engagement with the sleeve. The upper end of the member 57 is provided with a hose engageable portion 64 adapted to be inserted in the adjacent end 65 of the hose or conduit 3, the portion 64 being suitably formed with annular ribs 65 generally corresponding to the ribs 49 on the portion 47.

Nested in the fitting 41 and axially movabl relative thereto is a valve member indicated generally by the numeral 66 having a cylindrical portion 67, the outer diameter of which is of a size to provide a snug sliding lit with the inner face 68 of the neck 43 of the member 41, the latter having a plurality of annular grooves 69 adapted to receive gasket members such as O-rings 71 for effecting a seal between the adjacent surfaces of the member 66 and neck 43 but permitting axial movement therebetween. The lower end of the member 66 terminates in a portion 72 having an annular wall 73 disposed adjacent the wall of the portion 42 of the member 41 and extending concentric therewith.

As will be apparent from a reference to FIG. 1, the inner diameter of the walls 72 is of a size to permit reception of the upper end of the spout 11 therein.

The valve body 56 is provided adjacent its lower free end with an enlarged portion 74 which terminates at its lower end in a outwardly directed annularly shaped flange 75, the portion of the head 74 immediately above the flange being cylindrical as indicated at 76, and having a beveled or tapering portion 77 disposed thereabove.

The transversely extending wall 78 of the member 66 is provided with a bore 79 therein which is counterborcd as indicated at 81, the inner diameter of the bore 79 being sutliciently larger than the diameter of the portion 76 of the valve body 56 to provide adequate clearance for sliding movement therebetween and in like manner the diameter of the counterbore is of a corresponding size with respect to the outer diameter flange 75. The flange thus forms a seat for the member 66, limiting the outward movement of the latter relative to the shell 43, the member 66 being urged outwardly into engagement with the valve body by a compression spring 82 disposed Within the shell, the upper end of the spring seating on the webs 52 and the lower end of the spring seating on the adjacent portion of the member 66. A seal between the member 66 and the adjacent portion 74 of the valve body is effected by a suitable gasket such as the O-ring 83 which is disposed in an annular shaped groove 84 formed in the member 66, the tapering surface 77 forming means for placing the O-ring 83 under compression as the members assume the positions illustrated in FIG. 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the Wall 78 of the member 68 is provided with a suitable gasket 85 adapted to engage the flange 15 of the tank fitting 4 to effect a seal therebetween, the wall 78 also being provided with a beveled edge 86 adapted to abut the corresponding edge 87 of the flange 15 following the desired degree of compression of the gasket 85, thereby insuring an effective seal and at the same time limiting the relative movement between the member 66 and the spout 11.

The connecting interlocks Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the wall 72 of the member 66 is provided with a pair of bayonet slots indicated gcnenally by the numeral 88, each comprising a generally longitudinal or axially extending portion 89 which opens on the bottom end edge of the wall 72, and a generally circumferentially extending portion 91, the latter having a slight amount of pitch and terminating at its inner end in a slight detent 92. The slots 88 are of a size to be engageable with the pins 39 carried by the spout 11 so that by engaging the member 66 with the spout 11 whereby the pins 39 enter the slots 88 and giving the member 66 a slight twist, the pins 39 will seat in the detents 92, the pitch of the portions 91 being operative to cam the member 66 down on the spout 11 placing the gasket 85 under sutiicient tension to provide an effective seal between the two members.

The wall 42 of the shell 41 is also provided with a pair of diametrically positioned bayonet slots indicated generally by the numeral 93, the slots 93 each comprising a generally longitudinally or axially extending portion 94, generally corresponding to the portion 89 and the slot 88, a generally circumferentially extending portion 95 generally corresponding to the portion 91 and having an indentation or detent 96 at the inner end thereof corresponding to the detent 92. In addition thereto, the outer end of the portion 94 terminates in a circumferentially extending portion 97 which has a circumferential length approximately equal to the corresponding length of the portion 91 of the slot 88, the portions 91 and 97 normally being maintained in alignment by cooperable means on the walls 42 and 72. Such means, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, comprises pins 98 carried by the wall 42 and extending inwardly in diametrical relation with the inner ends of the pins disposed in longitudinally extending slots 99 formed in the outer face "/2 of the member 66. The lower end of the bore 62 of the valve body 56 is provided with a restricted port 101 which forms a valve seat 162 adapted to receive a sealing ball 103 which is normally urged into engagement with the Seat 1:12 by a compression spring 194 disposed in the bore 62 and hearing at its upper end on the adiacent end of the hose con-- ncctor 5'7. Disposed in the passageway 1d is a suitable gasket member such as an (J-ring 195 which is disposed in a groove Ill-6 in portion 74 of the valve body.

Operation In operation, the elements of the separated connector members 1 and 4 will assume the positions illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. In such event, the valve member 17 of the connector member 4 is at the limit 05 its upward movement as viewed in FIG. 6 with the -1 ing 32 providing effective sealing means between the valve member and the flange 15' of the spout ll. Similarly. the vent tube 21 is closed at its upper end by the wall 35 and the O-ring 29 provides an etiectivc seal between the valve member 17 and the valve stem 2.1. An effective closure of the filling spout and of the tank is thus achieved.

In like manner as illustrated in FIG. 5, the interior of the neck 43 is cfiectively sealed by the O-ring 83 disposed between the portion 74 of the valve body and the adjacent portions of the member 66, with the O-ring 1 cllecting a seal between the outer surface of the member 66 and the internal surface of the neck 43%. The passageway ltltl is also closed by the ball 133 under the action of the spring Ill-i and both of the conduits 2 and 3 are thus etTcctively scaled.

To operatively connect the member 1 with the member 4, is first positioned in axial alignment with the latter, and the pins 39 radially aligned with the longitudinally extending portions 39 of the bayonet slots 88. Upon the application of force to the connector 1, in an axial dirco tion toward the member 4, the pins 39 will enter the bayonet slot 83, following which the coupling member may be given a slight turn in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, thereby bringing the pins 39 into the detents 92. Such action will bring the gasket member 85 into sealing engagement with the outer face of the flange of the spout 11, to ctlect a seal between the latter and the member 66. It will be apparent that at this point the pins 98 have prevented any rotational movement between the member 66 and the member 41 so that the relationship therebetwccn will remain as illustrated in FIGv 5, but the member 66 will be operativcly connected to the spout 11 and disposed in the position illustrated in FIG. 1. It will be particularly noted that at this point no operative communication has been established between the conduits 2 and 3 and the interior of the member 4 or the tank on which it is mounted.

A pushtwist-pushtwist system or movement for locking and the reverse in making the disconnect includes a double bayonet system comprising bayonet slots 88 formed on the annular skirt '72 of the detachable connector memer or supply fitting 1 and bayonet slots 95 formed on an annular skirt or wall 42 of the annular valve 66 or" said detachable connector member 1, said annular skirts 72 and 42 being concentric with respect to the stationary connector member or filler member 4 provided with diametrically positioned pins 39 common to said bayonet slots 93, a resilient gasket means or gasket 85 operatively mounted on the annular valve 66 of the detachable connector member 1 so that with the first push, said resilient gasket 85 is compressed. and the lock IeatLin slot or longitudinally extending portion 89 engaged, the resilient gasket 85 providing a seal around the annulus thereby scaling both aunniar valves 66 and 56 from the atoms phere, the first twist engages the locking ramp or generally circumferential portion 91 and dctent 92 of the bayonet slots 88 on the skirt 72 of the annular valve member 66 of the detachable connector member 1 and completes the seal, the second push opens the annular valve 17 of the stationary connector member 4 before the fuel valve 74 of the detachable connector member 4 is opened and at the same time completes the telescopic slip fit of the complementally formed and telescoping hollow stem means 62 of the valve body 56 and vent tube 21 in the vapor line of inner fluid conduit 3. whereby fuel and vapor begin to how when this action is accomplished, and the last twist locks the fuel valves 66 and 56 open and the fuel and vapor will continue to flow until either the fill can is empty or the vapor vent 37 in the fuel tank 5 are covered with liquid, and disconnection of the detachable connector member 1 is accomplished in a twistulltwist-pull sequence so that the first twist unlocks the bayonct or bayonet slots 93, the pull permits the till can and tank valves 74 and 17 to close in that order and at that time to break the vapor valving joint of the telescoping hollow stem means 62 and 21 so that there is no flow of either vapor or liquid.

Following such interlocking of the connector member 1 to the member 4, further movement of the member 41 in an axial. direction toward the member 4 may be effected, it being noted that the longitudinally extending portion 94 of the bayonet slots 93 will be in longitudinal alignment with the pins 39 thereby permitting the desired movement of. the member 41. It will also be noted that such movement of the member 41 cannot be clfected until the member 66 has been interlocked to the spout l1 and thereby couple the connector members.

When the movement: of the member 41 has reached the end of its travel toward the spout. the relative axial positions of the members 41 and 66 will be as illustrated in MG. 1, the member 66 being positioned above and out of engagement with the pins 98, thereby permitting the member 41 to be rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, to bring the pins 98 into engagement with the dctcnts 96 at the inner ends of the portions of the bayonet slots 93, whereby the relative positions of the members 41, 66 and 11 will be as illustrated in FIG. 1. Such movement of the member 41 relative to the spout 11 will simultaneously move the valve body 56 toward and into engagement with the valve member 17, thereby moving the latter inwardly in the spout 11, in opposition to the spring 18. to opcratively open the tiller spout. A the same time. movement of the valve body 56 relative to the member 66 will take place. thereby disengaging the portion 74 of the valve body therefrom and operativcly opening the connector member 1, whereby the conduit 2 is opcratively connected to and communicates with the connector member 4 and the tank interior on which it is mounted.

As the portion 74 of the valve member 56 moves inwardly into the spout 11. the vent tube 21 will enter the bore 101. the free end of the vent tube being disposed within the bore 62, such end engaging the ball 103 and moving it upwardly off of its seat 102. As will be apparent from a reference to FIG. 1, the ports 38 in the vent tube 21 are disposed at a point on the vent tube which will be disposed within the bore 62 and thereby operatively connect the latter with the interior of the vent tube 21. and by means of the passages 37 with the interior of the tank. An effective seal between the portion 74 of the valve body and the adjacent portions of the vent tube is ctl'ected by the O-ring 106.

The coupling members are thus in the operative connected position as illustrated in FIG. 1, communication between the tank and the conduit 2 being effected through the hose connector members 46, member 41, bore 79, interior of the spout 1! and openings 10 in the member 6 of the connector fitting 4. Likewise, operative communication between the tank and the conduit 3 is effected through the bore 58 of the hose connector member 57, bore 62 of the valve body 56, ports 38 in the vent tube 2i and the passageways 37.

Disconnection of the coupling members may be readily accomplished by a reversal of the steps described in the connection of the members, the member 41 first being given a slight twist in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, to withdraw the pins 39 from the detents 96 and bring the pins into alignment with the longitudinally extending portions 94 of the bayonet slots 93, following which the member 41 may be axially moved in a withdrawing direction relative to the spout 11 until the members 41 and 66 have resumed their positions illustrated in FIG. 5, the pins 98, during this movement, entering the slots 99 in the member 66. Upon the completion of such movement the closure means for the connector members will resume their closed positions as illustrated in FIGS. and 6 and both coupling members are thus operatively sealed with respect to one another. The member 41 may then be given an additional twist in a counterclockwise direction, which movement is transmitted through pins 98 and the slots 99 to the member 66,

resulting in the pins 39 being brought into alignment with the longitudinally extending portions 89 of the bayonet slots 88, following which, by further Withdrawal movement of the fitting 1 relative to the member 4, disconnection therebetween may be effected.

It will be noted that the actual uncoupling of the fittings 1 and 4 may take place only after the associated valve means on each coupling member has been moved to a closed position.

In some cases it may be desirable to incorporate an additional spring 107 between the members 41 and 66, such spring being formed of spring wire and comprising approximately a single turn, the free ends 108 and 109 of the spring being bent transversely to the adjacent portions thereof and disposed in cooperable bores in the members 41 and 66. As will be apparent from a reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the end portions 107 of the spring may be bent back at an angle less than ninety degrees with respect to the adjacent portion of the spring so that tension forces on such end portions of the spring will result in the portions 108 and 109 tending to draw further inwardly into engagement with the members 41 or 66.

The spring 107 is constructed in the shape of a single turn helical, the spring being so proportioned and the mounting location for the ends of the spring being so determined that the spring will normally tend to align the slots 99 with the pins 98, the spring also functioning to supplement the action of the compression spring 82, and at the same time providing a slight torsional action between the members 41 and 66.

In use, the member 1 may be operatively connected to a suitable supply source, as for example a supply can, by means of the conduits 2 and 3 so that upon connection of the member 1 with the member 4, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the supply can may be inverted to permit the flow of fuel to the conduit 2 and into the tank. The end of the conduit associated with the supply can preferably is so disposed that upon inversion of the can, the adjacent open end of the conduit 3 is positioned above the liquid level in the can so that the conduit 3 provides an inlet for air or vapor into the supply can from the interior of the tank, thereby creating a closed system between the tank and the supply can, the liquid flowing from the sup ply can into the tank through the conduit 2 and the displaced vapor from the tank flowing through the conduit 3 into the can.

It will be particularly noted that it the tank becomes filled before the supply of liquid in the can is exhausted, whereby the coupling members will be filled with liquid at the time of disconnection therebetween, as the valves of the members are moved to a closed position before separation of the coupling members, substantially no liquid will be spilled or lost at the time of disconnection as the maximum liquid that can be discharged to the exterior is the very small and negligible amount which could be trapped between the portion 74 of the valve body 56 and the valve member 17 when such elements are in their fully closed position.

Pump connection In some cases it may be desirable to fill the tank from a fuel pump or the like employing a flexible hose terminating at its free end in a suitable nozzle, as for example, of the automatic type which will shut off the flow of liquid when the liquid level in the tank being tilled rises to a point sufiicient to block a small port on the nozzle.

FIG. 7 illustrates the application of an adapter memher to the fitting 4 and a nozzle 111, having an open discharge end 112 and a valve control port 113 which is longitudinally spaced from the adjacent end of the tube and adapted to be operatively connected by means of a tube 114- with the flow control mechanism associated therewith. The fittting 4 is substantially identical with the fitting 4 with the exception that the members 6' and 11', corresponding to the members 6 and 11 of the member 4, are constructed as an integral structure.

The adapter 115 comprises a generally tubular shaped elongated body portion 116 carrying at one end a swivel connector 117 of a size to receive the upper portion of the spout 11, the peripheral wall 118 being disposed in concentric relation with the adjacent wall of the spout. The Wall 118 is provided with a pair of diametrically disposed bayonet slots 119 of a size to receive the pins 39 and effect an interlock between the coupling members 4 and 115, a seal being achieved thercbetween by a suitable gasket member 120 carried by the connector portion 117, the latter having a flange 121 adapted to seat on a flange 121' on the body portion 116, with the gasket member 120 tending to retain the connector 117 in operative position.

The opposite end of the member 116 is provided with an inwardly directed annular flange 122 which forms a stop against which the free end of the nozzle 111 may seat, the nozzle being retained in engagement with the adapter 115 by suitable means such as a resilient ring 123 formed of plastic, rubber or the like, having a bore 124 of a size to permit insertion of the nozzle 111, such insertion of the latter resulting in a compression of the ring 123 and providing an adequate frictional engagement between the elements to maintain the same in assembled relation.

The adapter 115 is provided with. an internal projection 125 having a bore or well 126 therein which is concentrically disposed with respect to the connector portion 117 and adapted to receive the end of the vent tube 21 when the adapter is mounted on the spout 11, a seal between the walls of the well 126 and the adjacent external wall of the vent tube being achieved by a suitable gasket mcrrr ber such as an O-ring 127. It will also be apparent from a reference to FIG. 7 that the projection 125 is so proportioned and disposed that it is operative to open the valve member 17 when the adapter is interlocked on the spout 11. The resilient member 123 is provided with an annular groove 128 which is aligned with the port 113 and thus communicates therewith, such groove being opcratively connected to the well 126 by a tube 129, having one end opcratively disposed within the well 126 and the opposite end within the groove or channel 128. The tube 129 is operative to connect the port 113 with the connector member 4, so that upon the level of the liquid in the tank reaching the open ends of the passages 37, the port 113 will be operatively closed, actuating the automatic shut oif mechanism associated with the nozzle 111. In the construction illustrated, the shut-off mechanism would be so designed that the port 113 would also form a vapor return conduit comparable to the conduit 3.

It will be appreciated that the ball 35 also forms a vacuum relief valve for the tank so that air may enter the tank as liquid is withdrawn therefrom.

it will be appreciated that while 1 have illustrated the use of bayonet type connections between the connecting member 4 or 4', and the members 41, 66 or 118, other suitable connector structures may be employed and in some cases it may be desirable to omit an interlock between a member such as the member 66 with the mem ber 4, in which case the connection would be eflected in a single operation of locking the member corresponding to the member 41 to the connector member corresponding to the member 4. Likewise, the member 41 could be made in two sections, similar to the members 115 and 118 of FIG. 7, whereby a swivelling action would be obtained with a structure such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5.

It will be noted from the above description that I have provided a very eflicient coupling structure for connecting two conduits with a tank or the like, which provides closure means for Each coupling element, at the same time providing a relatively simple construction.

Having thus described my invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a connector structure for connecting opposed ends of fluid conducting lines, each fluid conducting line comprising an outer fluid conduit and an inner fluid conduit disposed therein, the combination of a pair of cooperable connector members, each cooperable connector member constructed for connection to a respective end of such lines, each cooperable connector member having a stationary element forming one side of a connector for the inner conduit and adapted to operatively connect such conduit when the stationary elements are brought into cooperable engagement, each cooperable connector memher having a movable valve element communicating with and operably closing the respective open end of the outer conduit and cooperable with stationary portions of said cooperable connector members to open and operatively connect the outer conduits when the members are brought into connected relation, complemenlally formed detachable interlocking means providing a bayonet connection and carried by the respective cooperable connector members for detachably interlocking the cooperable connector members in their connected positions in a predetermined sequence, and said complementally formed detachable interlocking means comprising a double bayonet system including concentric annular skirts on one of said coop crable connector members, diametrically positioned bayonct slots formed on each of said annular skirts, the other of said cooperable connector members being relatively stationary with respect to the annular skirts of said first-mentioned connector member, the stationary cooperable connector comprising diametrically positioned pins common to said bayonet slots formed on each of said annular skirts of the double bayonet system and adapted to be operatively engaged by said pins, whereby a pushtwist-push-twist system is provided for locking and the reverse in disconnecting the opposed ends of said fluid conducting lines.

2. In a connector structure for connecting opposed ends of fluid conducting lines, each fluid conducting line comprising an outer fluid conduit and an inner fluid conduit disposed therein, the combination of a pair of cooperable connector members, one of said cooperable connector members being stationary and the other of said cooperable connector members being movable with respect to the stationary cooperable connector member, each cooperable connector member constructed for connection to a respective end of such lines, each cooperable connector member having a centrally positioned stationary element forming one side of a connector for the inner conduit and Cit adapted to operatively connect such conduit when the stationary elements are brought into cooperable connection engagement, each cooperable connector member hav ing a movable valve element communicating with the outer conduit and cooperable to operativcly connect the outer conduits when the cooperable connector members are brought into connected relation, said valve elements each being engageable with and adapted to be moved to open position by engagement with stationary portions of the other cooperable connector member, complementaliy formed detachable interlocking means providing a pinrality of bayonet connections and carried by the respective members for detachably interlocking the cooperable connector members in their connected positions in a predetermined sequence, and said complementally formed detachable interlocking means providing a plurality of bayonet connections comprising a doub e bayonet system including concentric annular skirts on one of said cooperablc connector members; diametrically positioned bayonet slots formed on each of said annular skirts, the other of said coopcrable connector members being relatively stationary with respect to the annular skirts of said first-mentioned connector member, the stationary cooperable connector comprising diametrically positioned pins common to said bayonet slots formed on each of said annular skirts of the double bayonet system and adapted to be operativcly engaged by said pins, whereby a push-twistpush-twist system is provided for locking and the reverse in disconnecting the opposed ends of said fluid conducting lines.

3. In a connector structure for connecting opposed ends of fluid conducting lines, each fluid conducting line comprising an outer fluid conduit and an inner fluid conduit disposed therein and complementaliy formed so that said outer fluid conduits and said inner fluid conduits tclescoped together in their connected fluid conducting position, the combination of a pair of cooper-able connector members, one of said cooperable connector members being stationary and the other of said cooperable connector members being movable relatively with respect to the stationary cooperable connector member, each cooperable connector member including complementally formed seating means comprising a resilient gasket and constructed for connection to a respective end of said fluid conducting lines, each cooperable connector member having a stationary element forming one side of a connector for the inner conduit and adapted to operatively connect said inner conduit when the stationary elements are brought axially into cooperable engagement, each of said stationary elements for the inner conduit of each inner fluid conduit including spring-biased valve means for sealing the inner conduits in their disconnected positions but permitting the inner conduits in their connected positions to convey fluid therethrough, each cooperable connector member having an axially movable valve element communicating with the outer conduit and cooperable to operatively connect the outer conduits when the cooperable connector members are brought into connected relation, complementally formed detachable interlocking means carried by the respective cooperable connector members for detachably interlocking the members in their connected positions, and said complementally formed detachable interlocking means permitting a pushtwist-push-twist system in locking and the reverse in disconnecting, whereby the first push compresses the resilient gasket for sealing both movable valve elements from the atmosphere, the first twist completes the seal, the second push opens the movable valve element on the stationary coopcrable connector member before the movable valve element on the relatively movable coopcrable connector is opened and at the same time completes the telescoping of the inner conduits and providing a fluid passage therethrough permitting fluids in the outer and inner fluid conduits to flow, and the last twist locks the movable valve elements open.

4. As an article of manufacture, a cooperable stationary connector member for a receptacle for receiving a fluid, said stationary connector member adapted to be connected to a detachable connector member for delivering fluid to said stationary connector member when opcratively connected together, said stationary connector member including a hollow cylindrical portion and having an opening at the upper end thereof, a coaxial fluid conduit axially mounted with respect to the hollow cylindrical portion along the longitudinal axis thereof and communicating exteriorly with respect to the stationary connector member and internally with respect to a receptacle to which it is operatively connected, springbiased valve means operatively mounted within the fluid conduit providing a vacuum relief valve for the receptacle, annular valve means operatively mounted on said fluid conduit and means for spring biasing said annular valve means in the normal closed position and adapted to be opened upon axial connection of the detachable connector member to the stationary connector member, pin means diametrically arranged upon the periphery of the cylindrical portion of the stationary connector member providing a complementally formed bayonet connection of complementally formed bayonet slots provided on said detachable connector member, said detachable connector member including concentric annular skirts, said bayonet slots diametrically positioned on said annular skirts pro viding a double bayonet system with said pin means diametrically arranged upon the periphery of the cylindrical portion of the stationary connector member and providing a common connection with said bayonet slots, said stationary connector member adapted to be connected to the detachable connector member with a predetermined push-twist-push-twist sequence of the complementally formed bayonet slots of said annular skirts of said detachable connector member with respect to the pin means of the stationary connector member.

5. As an article of manufacture, a detachable connector member for a fluid supply line for delivering fluid to a receptacle, said fluid supply line including a vapor return line, said receptacle including a stationary connector member including a vapor return line, said dctachable connector member including an inner fluid conduit including spring-biased valve means for sealing the inner conduit in its disconnected position but permitting the inner conduit in the connected positions of said detachable and stationary connector members to convey fluids therethrough, said detachable connector member including an axially movable and annular valve, communicating with an outer conduit and cooperable to opcratively connect a similar conduit of a stationary conneetor member when the detachable and stationary connector members are brought in connected relation, detachable interlocking means carried by the detachable connector member for detachably interlocking the detachable and stationary connector members in their connected positions, said detachable interlocking means for the detachable connector member comprising diametrically arranged bayonet slots formed on an annular skirt concentric with respect to the outer periphery of the stationary connector member, similarly formed bayonet slots diametrically formed on an annular skirt of said axially movable and annular valve element, said axially movable and annular valve element arranged for axial longitudinal movement upon the assembly of the detachable connector membcr to the stationary connector member, said detachable interlocking means of the stationary connector member permitting a push-twist-push-twist system in locking and the reverse in disconnecting the detachable connector member to the stationary connector member.

6. The combination with a stationary connector member adapted for delivering fluid to a receptacle, said stationary connector member including a central hollow stem portion, and a spring-biased annular valve means normally biased to its closed position for sealing the passage within the stationary connector member connected to the receptacle, spring-biased valve means operatively mounted in the central hollow stem portion, said concentric central hollow stem portion provided with passages sealed in the closed position of said annular valve means and open in the opened position of said annular valve means of said stationary concentric mem ber, of an adapter for a conduit for delivering fluid to said receptacle, said adapter complementally formed to the periphery of a stationary connector member and including a concentric central hollow portion complementally formed to the central hollow stem portion of the stationary connector member and adapted to open the annular valve means of the stationary connector member in the attached position of the adapter, said adapter including a tube operatively connected to the hollow stem portion of the connector for discharging vapor from the interior of the receptacle to the conduit connected to the adapter, said adapter including a movable valve element concentric with respect to the adapter, said movable valve element including an annular skirt, said adapter also including an annular skirt, said annular skirts being concentrically arranged and operatively connected together for axial movement with respect to each other, detachable interlocking means including diametrically positioned bayonet slots on the adapter, certain of said bayonet slots diametrically positioned on said annular skirt of said movable valve element, other of said bayonet slots diametrically positioned on said concentric annular skirt of said adapter, pin means complementally formed to the bayonet slots and diametrically affixed to the stationary connector member and arranged for operatively engaging the bayonet slots of said annular skirts, said adapter detachably connected to the stationary connector member in a predetermined sequence by a push-twist movement with said complcmentally formed concentric central hollow portion of the adapter operatively engaging the annular valve means so that the annular valve means is opened by assembling the adapter to the stationary connector member by pushing and being locked in its open position by twisting with said bayonet slots and said pin means interlocked.

7. As an article of manufacture, a fuel-vapor counterflow valve for refueling a fuel tank from a fill can operatively connected together by the fuel-vapor counterflow valve, said fuel-vapor counterflow valve including a detachable connector member for opcrativcly connccting to a fill can and a stationary connector member for operatively connecting to a fuel tank, complementally formed and telescoping hollow stem means for operatively connecting each of said detachable and stationary connector members together for passage of a vapor from the fuel tank to the fill can through a vapor line thereof and providing a vapor valving joint, said fuel-vapor counterflow valve comprising two annular valves concentric about a common axis, the inner opening of said annular valves operatively mounting said complemcntally formed and telescoping stem means and operative to carry fuel vapor from the fuel tank to the fill can and the annular opening provided by the other annular valve for carrying fuel from the fill can to the fuel tank, a double bayonet system for locking the detachable connector member to the stationary connector member with a push-twistpush-twist system for locking and the reverse in making the disconnect, said double bayonet system including bayonet slots formed on an annular skirt of the detachable connector member and bayonet slots formed on an annular skirt of said annular valve of said detachable connector member, said annular skirts being concentric with respect to the stationary connector member provided with diametrically positioned pins common to said bayonet slots, a resilient gasket means operatively mounted on the annular valve of the detachable connector member so that with the first push, said resilient gasket is compressed, and the lock lead-in slot engaged, the resilient gasket providing a seal around the annulus thereby sealing both annular valves from the atmosphere, the first twist engages the locking ramp and detent of the bayonet slots on the skirt of the annular valve member of the detachable connector member and completes the seal, the second push opens the annular valve of the stationary connector member before the fuel valve of the detachable connector member is opened and at the same time completes the telescopic slip fit of the complcmentally formed and telescoping hollow stem means in the vapor line, whereby fuel and vapor begin to flow when this action is accomplished, and the last twist locks the fuel valves open and the fuel and vapor will continue to flow until either the fill can is empty or the vapor vents in the fuel tank are covered with liquid, and disconnection of the detachable connector member from the stationary connector member is accomplished in a tWist-pull-twist pull sequence so that the first twist unlocks the bayonet, the pull permits the fill can and tank valves to close in that order and at that time to break the vapor valving joint of the telescoping hollow stem means so that there is no flow of either vapor or liquid.

8. In a connector structure for connecting opposed ends of fluid conducting lines, each fluid conducting line comprising an outer fluid conduit and an inner fluid conduit disposed therein, the combination of a pair of cooperable connector members, one of said cooperable connector members being stationary and the other of said cooperable connector members being movable with respect to the stationary cooperable connector member, each cooperable connector member constructed for connection to a respective end of such lines, each cooperable connector member having a stationary element forming one side of a connector for the inner conduit and adapted to operatively connect such inner conduit when the stationary elements are brought into cooperable engagement, valve means for each stationary member operative to close the open end of the inner conduits, each cooperable connector member having a movable valve element communicating with the outer conduit and cooperable to operatively connect the outer conduits when the cooperable connector members are brought into connected relation, said movable valve element of the movable connector member being concentric with respect to the movable connector member, said movable valve element including an annular skirt, said movable connector member including an annular skirt, said annular skirts being concentrically arranged and operatively connected together for axial movement with respect to each other, complementally formed detachable interlocking means providing a plurality of bayonet connections and carried by the respective cooperable connector members for detachably interlocking the cooperable connector members in their connected positions, said annular skirts including diametrically positioned bayonet slots providing a double bayonet system, said stationary connector member including a hollow fill spout upon which the movable connector member is adapted to be mounted with the annular skirts concentric therewith, diametrically positioned pins common to said bayonet slots formed on each of said annular skirts of said double bayonet system and affixed to said hollow fill spout for operative engagement with said bayonet slots with a push-twist-push-twist movement for assembly and the reverse thereof in disassembly, said bayonet slots of said double bayonet system and said diametrically positioned pins common thereto provide a common connection for said plurality of bayonet connections, whereby said cooperable connector members are detachably interlocked in their connected positions in a predeermined sequence by said push-twist-push-twist move ment with said diametrically positioned pins providing a common connection for said bayonet connections.

9. In a connector structure for connecting opposed ends of a pair of fluid conducting lines, each fluid conducting line comprising an outer fluid conduit and an inner fluid conduit disposed therein, the combination of a pair oi cooperable connector members, one of said cooperable connector members being stationary and the other of said cooperable connector members being movable with respect to the stationary cooperable connector member and comprising concentric annular skirts relatively operatively connected together for axial movement with respect to the other, each constructed for connection to a respective end of such fluid conducting lines, each cooperable connector member comprising an element forming one side of a connector for the inner conduit and adapted to operatively connect said inner conduit when such elements are brought into cooperable engagement, each cooperable connector member having a valve element communicating with the outer conduit and cooperable to operatively connect the outer conduits when the cooperable connector members are brought into connected relation, and complementally formed detachable interlocking means providing a plurality of bayonet connections providing a double bayonet system and including diametrically positioned pins common to said bayonet connections on said stationary cooperable connector memmember and carried by the respective cooperable connector members for detachably interlocking the cooperable connector members in their connected positions, said bayonet connections including said pins on said stationary connector member and a plurality of diametrically positioned and angularly displaced bayonet slots formed on said concentric annular skirts of said movable connector for sequential connection with said pins providing a common connection for said angularly displaced bayonet slots, whereby said bayonet connections of said cooperable connector members are detachably interlocked in their connected positions in a predetermined sequence by a push-twist-push-twist movement with said pins providing a common connection for said angularly displaced bayonet slots.

10. In a connector structure for connecting a fluid supply line, including a vapor return to a receiving container, the combination of a pair of cooperable connector members, one of said cooperable connector members being stationary and including diametrically positioned pins and the other of said cooperable connector members being movable with respect to the stationary cooperable connector member and comprising concentric annular skirts relatively operatively connected together for axial movement with respect to the other and formed with diametrically positioned and angularly related bayonet slots and adapted to be operatively connected with said diametrically positioned pins providing a common connection with said angularly related bayonet slots, one constructed for connection to the discharge end of such a fluid supply line and the other constructed for connectlon to such a container, said first-mentioned cooperable connector member having a stationary element forming a vapor return passage adapted to operatively communicate with the container interior when the cooperable connector members are brought into cooperable engagement, each cooperable connector member having a movable closure element constructed to operatively close the associated cooperable connector member when the cooperable connector members are detached, the latter being operative to retain the respective closure elements movable, cooperable connector member with respect to said stationary cooperable connector member.

11. In a device for connecting a fluid supply line including a vapor return line to a receiving container, the cornbination of a pair of cooperable connector structures, one of which is adapted to form the discharge end of the fluid supply line, and the other the inlet fitting for the receiving container, the first-mentioned cooperable connector structure comprising an elongated body member constructed adjacent one end for connection to a fluid supply line and having a concentric central hollow stem portion constructed adjacent the corresponding end thereof for connection to such a return line, the opposite end of said stem portion being spaced from the adjacent end portion of the elongated body member to form an annular shaped discharge opening for the fluid supply line, a concentrically disposed annular valve member carried by said elongated body member for movement in an axial di rection from an extending position relative to said valve member, in which it operatively closes said discharge opening to a retracted position in which it operatively exposes said discharge opening, resilient means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and annular valve member to urge the annular valve member in a closed direction, cooperable means on said body and valve members for limiting extending movement of said valve member, detachable interlocking means providing a plurality of bayonet slots and carried by said elongated body member disposed to engage and interlock with cooperable pin means on said inlet fitting of the receiving container whereby the elongated body member including said annular valve member may be detachably connected thereto in a predetermined sequence, said detachable interlocking means providing said plurality of bayonet slots and said cooperable pin means comprising a double bayonet system including concentric annular skirts operatively arranged on said elongated body member and said bayonet slots diametrically arranged on each of said skirts for operatively engaging said cooperable pin means common to said bayonet slots so that a push-twist-push valve member for said inlet fitting slidably mounted on i the stern portion thereof, gasket means on said last-mentioned valve member operative to effect a seal between the latter and the inlet fitting, said concentric central hollow stern members being cooperable when the cooperable connector structures are in engagement to connect the concentric central stem passageways and complete the vapor return line.

12. In a device for connecting a fluid supply line including a vapor return line to a receiving container, the combination of a pair of cooperable connector structures, one of which is adapted to form the discharge end of the fluid supply line, and the other the inlet fitting for the receiving container, the first-mentioned cooperable connector structure comprising an elongated body member constructed adjacent one end for connection to a fluid supply line and having a concentric central hollow stem portion constructed adjacent the corresponding end thereof for connection to such a return line, the opposite end of said stem portion being sapced mm the adjacent end portion of the elongated body member to form an annularshaped discharge opening for the fluid supply line, a concentrically disposed annular valve member carried by said elongated body member for movement in an axial direction from an extending position relative to said valve til) member, in which it operatively closes said discharge opening to a retracted position in which it operatively exposes said discharge opening, resilient means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and annular valve member to urge the annular valve member in a closed direction, cooperable means on said body and valve members for limiting extending movement of said valve member, detachable interlocking means providing a plurality of bayonet slots and carried by said elongated body member disposed to engage and interlock with cooperable pin means on said inlet fitting of the receiving container whereby the elongated body member including said annular valve member may be detachably connected thereto in a predetermined sequence, said detachable interlocking means providing said plurality of bayonet slots and said cooperable pin means comprising a double bayonet system including concentric annular skirts operatively arranged on said elongated body member and said bayonet slots diametrically arranged on each of said skirts for opcratively engaging said cooperable pin means common to said bayonet slots so that a push-twist-push-twist sequence is provided for locking and the reverse on disconnecting the pair of cooperable connector structures, gasket means carried by said annular valve member adapted to operatively engage said inlet fitting and form a seal therebetween, gasket means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and annular valve member for effecting a seal of said discharge opening when said annular valve member is in its closed position, said inlet fitting having a central concentric hollow stem portion forming a part of the vapor return line, a valve member for said inlet fitting slidably mounted on the stem portion thereof, gasket means on said last'mentioned valve member operative to effect a seal between the latter and the inlet fitting, said concentric central hollow stem members being cooperable when the cooperable connector structures are in engagement to connect the concentric central stem passageways and complete the vapor return line, and spring-biased means disposed in the hollow stern of the inlet fitting of the receiving container and, when the cooperable connector structures are disengaged, forming a vacuum or relief valve for the receiving container.

13. In a device for connecting a fluid supply line including a vapor return line to a receiving container, the combination of a pair of cooperable connector structures, one of which is adapted to form the discharge end of the fluid supply line, and the other the inlet fitting for the receiving container, the first-mentioned cooperable connector structure comprising an elongated body member constructed adjacent one end for connection to a fluid supply line and having a concentric central hollow stern portion constructed adjacent the corresponding end thereof for connection to such a return line, the opposite end of said stem portion being spaced from the adjacent end portion of the elongated body member to form an annular shaped discharge opening for the fluid supply line, a concentrically disposed annular valve member carried by said elongated body member for movement in an axial direction from an extending position relative to said valve member, in which it operatively closes said discharge opening to a retracted position in which it operatively exposes said discharge opening, resilient means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and annular valve member to urge the annular valve member in a closed direction, cooperable means on said body and valve members for limiting extending movement of said valve member, detachable interlocking means providing a plurality of bayonet slots and carried by said elongated body member disposed to engage and interlock with cooperable pin means on said inlet fitting of the receiving container whereby the elongated body member including said annular valve member may be detachably connected thereto in a predetermined scqucnce, said detachable interlocking means providing said plurality of bayonet slots and said cooperable pin means comprising a double bayonet system including concentric annular skirts operatively arranged on said elongated body member and said bayonet slots diametrically arranged on each of said skirts for operatively engaging said cooperable pin means common to said bayonet slots so that a push-twist-push-twist sequence is provided for locking and the reverse on disconnecting the pair of cooperable connector structures, gasket means carried by said annular valve member adapted to operatively engage said inlet fitting and form a seal therebetween, gasket means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and annular valve member for effecting a seal of said discharge opening when said annular valve member is in its closed position, said inlet fitting having a central concentric hollow stem portion forming a part of the vapor return line, a valve member for said inlet fitting slidably mounted on the stem portion thereof, gasket means on said last-mentioned valve member operative to etfect a seal between the latter and the inlet fitting, said concentric central hollow stem members being cooperable when the cooperable connector structures are in engagement to connect the concentric central stem passageways and complete the vapor return line, and spring-biased closure means disposed in the hollow stem portion of the first-mentioned cooperable connector structure for closing the same when the cooperable connector structures are disengaged, said springbiased closure means being engageable with the stem portion of the inlet fitting of the receiving container when the cooperable connector structures are engaged and said last-mentioned spring-biased closure means moved to an open position.

14. In a device for connecting a fluid supply line including a vapor return line to a receiving container, the combination of a pair of cooperable connector structures, one of which is adapted to form the discharge end of the fluid supply line, and the other the inlet fitting for the receiving container, the first-mentioned connector structure having an elongated body member constructed adjacent one end for connection to a fluid supply line and having a fluid discharge opening adjacent the opposite end thereof, an annular valve member carried by said body structure for movement in an axial direction from an extended position relative to said valve member, in which it operatively closes said discharge opening to a retracted position in which it operatively exposes said discharge opening, resilient means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and said annular valve member to urge the annular valve member in a closed direction, cooperable means on said elongated body member and said annular valve member for limiting extending movement of said annular valve member, detachable interlocking means providing a plurality of bayonet means and carried by said elongated body member disposed to engage and interlock with cooperable pin means on said inlet fitting whereby the elongated body member including said annular valve member may be detachably connected thereto in predetermined push-twist sequence, said detachable interlocking means providing said plurality of bayonet slots and said cooperable pin means comprising a double bayonet system including concentric annular skirts operatively arranged on said elongated body member and said bayonet slots diametrically arranged on each of said skirts for operatively engaging said cooperable Pin means common to said bayonet slots so that a push-twist-pushtwist sequence is provided for locking and the reverse in disconnecting the pair of cooperable connector structures, annular gasket means on said valve member adapted to operatively engage cooperable means on said inlet fitting to form a seal therebetween, and annular gasket means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and annular valve member for effecting a seal of said discharge opening when said annular valve member is in its closed position, said elongated body member having a passageway therein having one end thereof disposed to communicate with the receiving container when said cooperable connector structures are in operative engagement, the opposite end of said passageway being disposed for operative connection to said vapor return line.

15. In a connector structure for connection to a cooperable connector structure, the combination of an elongated body member constructed adjacent one end for connection to a fluid line and having an opening adjacent the opposite end thereof, an annular valve member carried by said elongated body member for movement in an axial direction from an extended position relative to said elongated body member, in which it operatively closes said opening to a retracted position in which it operatively exposes said opening, resilient means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and said annular valve member to urge the annular valve member in a closed direction, cooperable and complementally formed means on said elongated body member and said annular valve member for limiting extending movement of said annular valve member, detachable interlocking means providing bayonet slots and carried by said elongated body member disposed to engage and interlock with cooperable pin means on such a cooperable connector structure whereby the elongated body member including said annular valve member may be detachably connected thereto in predetermined pushtwist sequence, said detachable interlocking means providing said plurality of bayonet slots and said cooperable pin means comprising a double bayonet system including concentric annular skirts operatively arranged on said elongated body member and said bayonet slots diametrically arranged on each of said skirts for operatively engaging said cooperable pin means common to said bayonet slots so that a push-twist-pushtwist sequence is provided for locking and the reverse in disconnecting the connector structure and the cooperable connector structure, annular gasket means on said annular valve member adapted to operatively engage cooperable means on such a cooperable connector structure and form a seal therebetween, and annular gasket means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and said annular valve member for effecting a seal of said opening when said annular valve member is in its closed position, said elongated body member having a passageway therein having one end thereof disposed to operatively communicate with the interior of the cooperable connector structure operatively engaged therewith, the opposite end of said passageway being disposed for operative connection to a second fluid line.

16. In a connector device, the combination of a pair of cooperable connector structures, one of said cooperable connector structures being stationary and the other of said cooperable connector structures being movable with respect to the stationary cooperable structure, said movable connector structure comprising an elongated body member constructed adjacent one end for connection to a fluid supply line and having a concentric central hollow stern portion constructed adjacent the corresponding end thereof for connection to such a return line, the opposite end of said concentric central hollow stem portion being spaced from the adjacent end portion of the elongated body member to form an annular shaped discharge opening for the fluid supply line, a concentrically disposed annular valve member carried by said elongated body member for movement in an axial direction from an extending position relative to said annular valve member, in which it operatively closes said discharge opening to a retracted position in which it operatively exposes said discharge opening, resilient means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and said annular valve member to urge the annular valve member in a closed direction, cooperable and complementally formed means on said elongated body member and said annular valve member for limiting extending movement of said valve member, detachable interlocking means providing bayonet slots diametrically arranged and carried by said elongated body member disposed to engage and interlock with cooperable pin means on said stationary connector structure whereby the elongated body member including the annular valve member may be detachably connected thereto, said detachable interlocking means providing said plurality of bayonet slots and said cooperable pin means comprising a double bayonet system including concentric annular skirts operatively arranged on said elongated body member and said bayonet slots diametrically arranged on each of said skirts for operatively engaging said cooperable pin means common to said bayonet slots so that a push-twist-push-twist sequence is provided for locking and the reverse in disconnecting the pair of cooperable connector structures, gasket means carried by said annular valve member adapted to operatively engage said stationary cooperable connector members and form a seal therebetween, and annular gasket means operatively disposed between said elongated body member and said annular valve member for effecting a seal of said discharge opening when said annular valve member is in its closed position.

17. The combination with a stationary connector member adapted for delivering fluid to a receptacle, said stationary connector member including a central hollow stem portion, and a spring-biased annular valve means normally biased to its closed position for sealing the passage within the stationary connector member connected to the receptacle, spring-biased valve means operatively mounted in the central hollow stem portion, said concentric central hollow stem portion provided with passages sealed in the closed position of said annular valve means and open in the open position of said annular valve means of said stationary concentric member, of an adapter for a nozzle for delivering fluid to said receptacle, said nozzle provided with an open discharge end and a valve control port longitudinally spaced from the adjacent end of the nozzle and adapted to be operatively connected by means of a tube with automatic flow control mechanism associated with the nozzle, said adapter comprising a generally tubular-shaped elongated body portion including an inwardly directed annular flange providing a stop against which the free end of the nozzle may seat, resilient ring means complementally formed to the nozzle end to permit insertion of the nozzle, and upon insertion of the nozzle compressing the resilient ring means providing a frictional engagement therebetween to maintain the nozzle and the adapter therefor in assembled relation, said adapter complementally formed to the periphery of a stationary connector member and including a concentric central hollow portion complementally formed to the central hollow stem portion of the stationary connector member and adapted to open the annular valve means of the stationary connector member in the attached position of the adapter, said resilient ring means provided with an annular groove operatively aligned with the valve control port oi" the nozzle in the assembled position of the nozzle on the adapter, said annular groove operatively connected to the concentric central hollow portion of the adapter by a tube, said last-mentioned tube having one end operatively disposed within the concentric central hollow portion and the opposite end of the tube operatively disposed within the annular groove so that upon the level of the liquid in the receptacle reaching the open end of passages of the stationary connector member within the receptacle operatively connected to the passages of the hollow stem portion of the stationary connector, the valve control port would be operatively closed actuating the automatic flow control mechanism associated with the nozzle, the aforesaid last-mentioned tube operatively connected to the central hollow stem portion of the stationary connector for discharging vapor from the interior of the receptacle to the nozzle connected to the adapter, detachable interlocking means including diametrically positioned bayonet slots on the adapter, complementally formed pin means to the bayonet slots affixed to the stationary connector member, said adapter detachably connected to the stationary connector member in a predetermined sequence by a push-twist movement with said complementally formed concentric central hollow portion of the adapter operatively engaging the annular valve means so that the annular valve means is opened by assembling the adapter to the stationary connector member by pushing and being locked in its open position by twisting with said bayonet slots and said pin means interlocked.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,307,427 Smith et al. Jan. 5, 1943 2,348,478 Jones May 9, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS 610,652 Great Britain Oct. 19, 1948 858,617 Germany Dec. 8, 1952 

1. IN A CONNECTOR STRUCTURE FOR CONNECTING OPPOSED ENDS OF FLUID CONDUCTING LINES, EACH FLUID CONDUCTING LINE COMPRISING AN OUTER FLUID CONDUIT AND AN INNER FLUID CONDUIT DISPOSED THEREIN, THE COMBINATION OF A PAIR OF COOPEABLE CONNECTOR MEMBERS, EACH COOPERABLE CONNECTOR MEMBER CONSTRUCTED FOR CONNECTION TO A RESPECTIVE END OF SUCH LINES, EACH COOPERABLE CONNECTOR MEMBER HAVING A STATIONARY ELEMENT FORMING ONE SIDE OF A CONNECTOR FOR THE INNER CONDUIT AND ADAPTED TO OPERATIVELY CONNECT SUCH CONDUIT WHEN THE STATIONARY ELEMENTS ARE BROUGHT INTO COOPERABLE ENGAGEMENT, EACH COOPERABLE CONNECTOR MEMBER HAVING A MOVABLE VALVE ELEMENT COMMUNICATING WITH AND OPERABLY CLOSING THE RESPECTIVE OPEN END OF THE OUTER CONDUIT AND COOPERABLE WITH STATIONARY PORTIONS OF SAID COOPERABLE CONNECTOR MEMBERS TO OPEN AND OPERATIVELY CONNECT THE OUTER CONDUITS WHEN THE MEMBERS ARE BROUGHT INTO CONNECTED RELATION, COMPLEMENTALLY FORMED DETACHABLE INTERLOCKING MEANS PROVIDING A BAYONET CONNECTION AND CARRIED BY THE RESPECTIVE COOPERABLE CONNECTOR MEMBERS OF DETACHABLY INTERLOCKING THE COOPERABLE CONNECTOR MEMBERS IN THEIR CONNECTED POSITIONS IN A PREDETERMINED SEQUENCE, AND SAID COMPLEMENTALLY FORMED DETACHABLE INTERLOCKING MEANS COMPRISING A DOUBLE BAYONET SYSTEM INCLUDING CONCENTRIC ANNULAR SKIRTS ON ONE OF SAID COOPERABLE CONNECTOR MEMBERS, DIAMETRICALLY POSITIONED BAYONET SLOTS FORMED ON EACH OF SAID ANNULAR SKIRTS, THE OTHER OF SAID COOPERABLE CONNECTOR MEMBERS BEING RELATIVELY STATIONARY WITH RESPECT TO THE ANNULAR SKIRTS OF SAID FIRST-MENTIONED CONNECTOR MEMBER, THE STATIONARY COOPERABLE CONNECTOR COMPRISING DIAMETRICALLY POSITIONED PINS COMMON TO SAID BAYONET SLOTS FORMED ON EACH OF SAID ANNULAR SKIRTS OF THE DOUBLE BAYONET SYSTEM AND ADAPTED TO BE OPERATIVELY ENGAGED BY SAID PINS, WHEREBY A PUSHTWIST-PUSH-TWIST SYSTEM IS PROVIDED FOR LOCKING AND THE REVERSE IN DISCONNECTING THE OPPOSED ENDS OF SAID FLUID CONDUCTING LINES. 